Quoted By:
<span class="mu-i">”There’s no rIME column. What are they doing over there?”
“They wanted to evacuate the area, sir. It seems they came in with little caution and took the front infantry platoons by surprise. The operators are hesitant, else they’d have done it already.”
“I don’t recall them receiving authority to decide when and when not to use their equipment.”
“It is fearsome weaponry, sir. Most operators have only heard rumors of what it does. They dread witnessing it themselves. Finding themselves too close.”
“Then I will take away their burden of responsibility, if they are not ready for it. Call for artillery on rIME Carrier One’s reported coordinates, and have Two follow up. There is no more golden opportunity than now.” </span>
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<span class="mu-i">”Engines are off, we’re gliding to the combat area. How are we doing, Upyr-2? You were slow.”
“Was looking for any columns starting off. Don’t like the idea of getting even close to one of those. They lift away the night from us as well. If I saw one rising I’d say we ought to turn around and go home.”
“What’s the worry? The southerners don’t fly at night. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of ground fire.”
“From the right weapon I am. Listen, hear that now? It sounds like a short-range anti-air cannon.”
“Well, we’re not turning around and going back. Not on our fifth mission. We’ve had nothing but harassment bombings this whole time, and this is the first time this is something important. Suck it up.”</span>
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The surprise of running into enemies, all over, was quickly reacted to, whilst the Twaryians failed to recover in time from the unintentional ambushes. Krogh opened fire from horseback upon what seemed to be only the start of a whole platoon, but when he and his platoon dismounted and took cover, there was nothing more to fight- similarly, rifle grenade fire from Krachen’s men scattered the other motorcycle scouts to the degree that wounded and choking stragglers came out in small clumps, disarmed and helpless, likely still blinded. What to do with them was not yet known.
Ferrari’s platoon had engaged a platoon as well, shortly after leaving their trucks- the whole event had been a confused tangle of flashes, heat, and cracks, and the Westnauk officer felt like he couldn’t place himself in the present, or in the past battles, as they all blended together. Yet when the gunfire was quieting, his platoon found itself victorious…whatever enemy hadn’t been cut to shreds had been scattered and routed, or taken captive. He could scarcely believe the reports coming from his squad leaders.
